Sheet piles are aligned and driven into the ground using vibratory or impact hammers, forming a continuous interlocked wall. Depending on engineering requirements, internal walers or bracing may be added to support the excavation as it deepens. Once the permanent structure is completed and the excavation is backfilled, the bracing system is removed in reverse order, starting at the bottom and working upward. After all internal supports are cleared, the sheet piles are extracted, usually with a vibratory hammer to break soil friction, allowing the piles to be pulled up and reused.

Sheet pile excavation sheeting is best suited for retaining loose, cohesionless soils like sand and gravel, where their interlocking design provides reliable lateral support and groundwater control. Sheet piles are particularly effective in excavations where maintaining vertical faces, limiting ground movement and managing hydrostatic pressure are key design considerations. Their ability to create a continuous, low-permeability barrier makes them well-suited for applications involving elevated groundwater or hydraulic loading. While sheet piling is effective in many conditions, very dense or rocky ground can make installation challenging.

Sheet pile systems often require additional support when excavation depths, soil conditions or hydrostatic pressures exceed the free-standing capacity of the sheet pile wall. Most engineered excavations rely on bracing solutions or tie-back systems to control lateral movement and maintain wall stability. Depending on the excavation design, internal walers may be used to transfer loads uniformly along the sheet pile wall. In other cases, struts, hydraulic braces or tie-backs can be installed without the need for walers.